Italian Comic Artists Unite for Coronavirus Relief with 'COme VIte Distanti'

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Italian comic artists have created a collaborative graphic novel titled 'COme VIte Distanti' to support frontline healthcare workers. The project, coordinated by the ARF! Festival in Rome, involves a collective storytelling method inspired by surrealist games. The script is written by Francesco Artibani, Katja Centomo, Giovanni Masi, and Mauro Uzzeo, with illustrations from prominent figures such as Gipi, Zerocalcare, Fumettibrutti, Mirka Andolfo, and many others. The cover is designed by Ale Giorgini. Starting March 25, 2020, one page of the story will be published daily on the ARF! website and social media channels. Pre-orders for the hardcover book will also begin on that date, with delivery expected in May 2020. The book will be available for purchase exclusively online, and all proceeds will be donated to the Istituto Spallanzani in Rome, which is at the forefront of the coronavirus emergency and has been instrumental in isolating the Italian strain of COVID-19. The ARF! Festival is scheduled to take place on May 22-24, 2020, at RagusaOff, though this may change due to the pandemic.